I wonder if S&W did another rolling update on the barrels again because I recently shot a newer production 4.25 model @ 20 yards and it shot very well. I'm also reading on some other forums that others are having experiences that mirror mine in regards to precision and accuracy to be on par with a G5 Glock 19.

If this is true, then an Apex barrel wouldn't be needed for most people anymore. I suppose the Apex barrels are to squeeze that extra precision out of the platform because with a properly fitted one, they are lasers.